Stephanie Gilmore conquers her 5th ASP Women’s World Surfing title

15 July 2012 |
Surfing

Stephanie Gilmore has conquered her 5th ASP Women’s World Championship title after winning the Roxy Pro Biarritz over Tyler Wright, in France.

"I woke up this morning and thought it wouldn’t happen today," Gilmore said. "But as the day progressed, and things fell into place, I began to believe it could happen. France is such a special place and having so many people on the beach watching us surf today is really emotional. I think I’m going to cry.”

Gilmore set an ASP record by being the first surfer ever to win four titles from four attempts (2007 – 2010), but fell back to ASP Women’s World No. 3 in 2011. Today’s emotional win is a reassertion of her dominance as one of the greatest icons in women’s sports.

"This year for me was all about improving my consistency and having fun with my surfing," Gilmore said. "From when I started five years ago to where we are now, women’s surfing has improved so much. It’s an honor to be back up top as these girls push me everyday and are all incredible surfers."

Today’s incredible achievement puts the young natural-footer in an elite class of surfers to win five or more ASP World Titles, overtaking women’s records set by Freida Zamba, Wendy Botha and Lisa Andersen.

The only other two surfers in history to claim five or more titles are Kelly Slater and Layne Beachley.

"I have an amazing support team between my family, friends, my shaper Darren Handley, my sponsors and all the people at Quiksilver," Gilmore said.

"To be able to do what we do and make a life out of surfing is a really blessed thing. Surfing is what motivates me to wake up each day and attempt to better myself."

The next stop on the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour will be the Nike US Open of Surfing from July 30 – August 5, 2012.